Gendered capital in psychotherapy: A thematic analysis of patients' experiences of the therapists' gender

Abstract

Background: The impact of therapists' and patients' gender on therapy processes and outcomes remains a subject of intense debate in psychotherapy research. Aims: This article explores the role of gender in psychotherapy from the patients' perspective. Method: By conducting semi-structured interviews with 20 patients undergoing individual psychotherapy in private practices in Austria, the influence of the therapist's gender was investigated. The data collected were subjected to qualitative thematic analysis. Findings: The authors adopted a Bourdieusian feminist perspective to interpret the results, revealing that patients perceived female psychotherapists as possessing unique resources not found in male therapists. These resources encompassed knowledge, skills, traits perceived as ‘female’, and shared body and life experiences. Referred to as ‘female gender capital’, these resources influenced the preferences of most female and one male patient, leading them to favour female psychotherapists. Conclusion: Given the strong perceptions and preferences around gender observed in this study, gender identity and gendered practices should be critically reflected on by individual therapists as well as in psychotherapy training programmes.